Lost Peatlands Ecologist - Neath Port Talbot Council

Countryside Classroom; Briton Ferry; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid role

Remote work flexibility

Temporary contract until 2029

Job summary

Countryside Classroom is seeking an Ecologist to join the Countryside & Wildlife Team and deliver the Lost Peatlands Connections Project in South Wales. You will lead habitat management, carry out ecological and hydrological surveys, and engage communities and volunteers across partner organisations and councils.

The role offers a mobile hybrid setup with remote work flexibility and opportunities to contribute to landscape-scale nature recovery across upland habitats in South Wales Valleys.

Qualifications

• Strong flora and fauna identification skills, especially for upland species.
• Ability to work effectively in a small team in remote upland locations.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake ecological surveys and ecological and hydrological monitoring.
• Act as Ecological Clerk of Works and supervise contractors delivering habitat restoration.
• Support community and volunteer activities and events.

Skills

Flora/Fauna ID

Teamwork

Remote upland work

Education

Ecology degree

Job description

Salary: £38,510 - £42,123

Location: The Quays, Neath, SA11 2GG / remote. This is a mobile hybrid role, offering flexibility to work from home and Council workplaces.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated Ecologist to join our Countryside & Wildlife Team and help deliver the National Lottery Heritage Funded Lost Peatlands Connections Project. Working with Neath Port Talbot Council, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Natural Resources Wales, Coed Lleol, the Woodland Trust, the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and Vattenfall, the project will restore upland habitats across the South Wales Valleys, celebrate local heritage and help people connect with the landscape.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference for nature and communities across the South Wales Valleys. You will collaborate with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, develop valuable experience in practical habitat conservation, and be supported by a knowledgeable and passionate team. If you have strong ecological skills and want to contribute to nature recovery in South Wales, we would be delighted to hear from you.

You will lead habitat management works, ecological and hydrological surveys, monitoring, and opportunities for communities and volunteers to engage with nature. This is a practical opportunity to support landscape-scale nature recovery and respond to the nature and climate emergencies.

Key duties

• Undertake ecological surveys and ecological and hydrological monitoring.
• Act as Ecological Clerk of Works and supervise contractors delivering habitat restoration.
• Support community and volunteer activities and events.

About you

You will have:

• A relevant ecology related degree.
• Experience of habitat management, preferably including peatlands.
• Strong flora and fauna identification skills, especially for upland species.
• The ability to work effectively in a small team in remote upland locations.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Temporary post until the end of July 2029. Job share considered, pro rata.

For an informal discussion, contact Richard Pulman on 07791638201 or [e-mail].

Closing date: Monday 2nd November 2026